Canary Island holidaymakers warned they face 'unacceptable' chaos on arrival at airport
Tourists have been warned of lengthy delays when they land.
When you land at your destination on holiday, the aim is getting through customs and collecting your bags as swiftly as you can so your break can finally begin. But tourists landing at one Canary Island airport have been warned they face an 'uncomfortable and chaotic' experience.
Passengers to Lanzarote Airport, the third busiest airport on the Canaries by volume of passengers, has been marred by slow baggage collection, lengthy taxi queues and insufficient police on duty. The island's president has now demanded action.
President Oswaldo Betancort has asked for an urgent meeting with the Spanish airport authority, AENA, to address the issues causing lengthy delays at César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport.
Betancort said there are insufficient police on duty at the airport, which is the tenth busiest in the country by volume of passengers with nearly 800,000 in March alone.
The airport has been the subject of numerous complaints in recent years, both for the time it takes to get luggage and then to go through passport controls.
Tourists say this takes about an hour and is followed by another lengthy wait for a taxi. Queues often snake around the concourse as passengers with their suitcases wait for more taxis to arrive, reports the Mirror.
One holidaymaker recently back in the UK after a break in Lanzarote said: "We were very shocked at the taxi situation at the airport. It took us about an hour to get through passports and to collect our luggage, so we were looking forward to getting to our hotel.
"However, we were shocked to find a really massive queue at the taxi rank which literally snaked around the concourse. We had absolutely no choice but to join that queue, which must have been at least 300 people.
"It took us 55 minutes in total to get a taxi, which did nothing for our mood or Lanzarote's reputation!
"When we asked a taxi driver what the problem was, he said there were not enough taxis to cope with the number of arrivals. The time, we must point out, was 7.30pm, so probably not even the busiest time of the day."
Local residents agree there is a "significant mismatch" between supply and demand and that something needs to be done. The authorities say creating a digitalised service is the way ahead, which is why it is opening a round of talks with the taxi association.
Of the lack of police officers at the airport, Mr Betancort said:" It is unacceptable that residents and visitors have to endure long waits due to insufficient staff at security checkpoints. More human and material resources are needed to guarantee efficient operation."
There are currently plans to expand the airport, to improve operational efficiency and quality of service. According to the Airport's Master Plan, the objective is to expand and remodel Terminal 1 to improve quality, also expanding the check-in, boarding and security control areas.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Likewise, terminals 1 and 2 will also be connected in the boarding area, once the security control has been passed. The Mirror's Victoria Chessum recently traveled through Lanzarote Airport and experienced some of the chaos.
"She wrote: "I visited Lanzarote out of peak-season, and therefore ignorantly expected the airport to at least be manageable in terms of queues. While checking-in was super easy, along with bag-drop, navigating the small and disproportionate terminal building was not.
"Armed with a sleepy toddler, a pram, and a few hand luggage bags, the whole experience quickly escalated into something of a nightmare."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Out Dubai
37 minutes ago
- Time Out Dubai
Emirates announces new daily flight to popular European destination
We might just be stepping into summer, but if you're already planning your holidays for the rest of the year, then there's a new flight you need to know about. Emirates has just announced it will be adding a new daily service to the Spanish city of Barcelona to keep up with demand. If you like this: Taking Uber rides can now get you cheaper Emirates flights Starting from Sunday October 26, the coastal city will then have a total of 21 weekly Emirates flights per week from Dubai. Known for it's incredible architecture, tasty tapas and impressive beachfront, the new flight will be the third daily service to Barcelona. Departing for Barcelona from Dubai International Airport (DXB), the three flights will leave at 3.45am, 8.15am and 2pm respectively. (Credit: Canva) Returning to Dubai, the flights will take off from El Prat Airport (BCN) at 3.10pm, 3.30pm and 8.25pm. Tickets can be booked on the Emirates App, or via both online and offline travel agents as well as at Emirates retail stores. Earlier this week, the airline also revealed it has partnered up with another huge travel company to make your life even easier. Launched this week, the team up between Emirates and Uber means more rewards for frequent riders and flyers. When you book an Uber ride, you'll soon be able to earn Skywards miles in select markets across Emirates' global network. And with the Skywards programme, you can get cheaper flight tickets with both Emirates and flydubai (plus a bunch of other amazing perks in Dubai). You'll also be able to get vouchers for Uber rides when booking flights with Emirates, which will allow your plane ticket to take you further and offer a smoother connection from the airport. In other Dubai news Teddy Swims is coming to Dubai for the first time ever And this is how you can get tickets This is exactly how long summer will last in Dubai this year Feeling the heat? How to eat out in Dubai for just Dhs10 this summer Bargain alert
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
'I tried to move to Spain but three months in I was begging for help'
Bea Meitiner, 39, grew up in Spain and speaks both fluent Spanish and Basque. She is now in the process of moving back to the country after spending time there as a child A travel blogger has voiced her struggles with the process of relocating to Spain, after trying to navigate the bureaucratic system on her own. Despite being fluent in Spanish and having previously lived there, Bea Meitiner, 39, has found the path to becoming a Spanish resident far from straightforward, leading her to seek help. Bea dreams of settling down in Navarra, an enchanting region boasting quaint villages, rugged mountains, and a leisurely lifestyle. Having spent her childhood in the area with her parents, she is proficient in both Spanish and Basque and is now endeavouring to return to the place filled with cherished memories. However, while the prospect of a slower pace of life appeals to the Brit, she has found that this laid-back approach also characterises Spain's government, which has hindered her efforts to establish herself in the region. She revealed she has encountered obstacles in the process and admits to struggling alone in her quest to secure legal permission to reside in the country, reports the Express. In response, Bea sought the expertise of Lucía Lagunas, a Spanish immigration solicitor from MySpainVisa, who has assisted thousands in their transition to the European nation. Their team manages all aspects required for settling in España, from paperwork to appointments to renewals. Bea, reflecting on her journey of relocating to Spain, said: "Before reaching out to Lucia, I tried doing it on my own, by visiting the immigration office. I wasted three months and every single person I spoke to gave me different and contradicting information to the one before. Don't make the same mistake I did. Get help from the start!". "I'll be honest: Spanish bureaucracy is no joke. That's why talking to a professional like Lucía makes a huge difference. If you're craving a lifestyle with slower mornings, sunny afternoons, and maybe a glass of wine at lunch... then yes. Spain could be your next chapter. "It's not always perfect-yes, the paperwork can be annoying and things move slower than in the U.S. or U.K.-but the reward is totally worth it." She also shed light on the lessons she's learned while navigating Spanish bureaucracy and elaborated on why Spain is such an alluring destination for expatriates. Discussing the various locations Spain has to offer, Bea mentioned: "They're fantastic, but also more expensive and faster-paced. Ideal for younger people or those who still want a bit of that 'city hustle'." Moreover, Bea suggested that these places may suit individuals who plan on working remotely or running their businesses. In terms of Mallorca, she highlighted it as offering an excellent blend of urban and island lifestyles, ideal for those seeking equilibrium. The capital, Palma, is witnessing advancements in infrastructure and a burgeoning international community. However, she cautioned prospective movers about the recent anti-tourist sentiment, which has started to affect British residents. Valencia is being hailed as a top choice for expats, with its bike-friendly streets, lush parks, and inviting beaches. The city's dynamic food scene is a hit with aficionados of Spanish cuisine. "Many of our retired clients choose Valencia," Lucía revealed. "It's peaceful, beautiful, and has an amazing quality of life." Discussing visa options and residency. Lucia explained: "Many of our clients start with the non-lucrative visa or retirement route, and eventually apply for permanent residency."
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Daily Record
Spain 'extreme risk' warning as holidaymakers told 'do not'
Spanish authorities have issued a number of alerts Authorities have issued an alert for those planning to visit or who are already in Spain, advising them to "be very careful", as well as urging people "do not". Spain is the most popular destination for people travelling abroad from the UK, with many holidaymakers flocking to the European country each year. And with travel experts expecting a bustling summer season, millions of British tourists are expected to descend upon Spain in the coming months. Those currently in or heading to Spain this weekend should heed a serious warning. A recent update shared on X, previously known as Twitter, by Spain's General Directorate of Civil Protection highlights that forest fires will be "very high/extreme in large areas", and pressed people to "BE VERY CAREFUL!" The message comes after an earlier update, which alerted people to the amber and yellow heat warnings across much of Spain. The country's Minister of the Interior has also contributed guidance, suggesting: "Limit your sun exposure. Eat light meals. Stay hydrated. Dress appropriately. Do not leave children or elderly people inside vehicles." Looking ahead to next week, Spain's national weather agency AEMET anticipates the sizzling temperatures will continue until at least June 29. Experts added: "Although there will be a drop in temperature in the far north and areas of the western and central parts of the Peninsula, this drop in temperature will not reach the eastern third and the Balearic Islands until Thursday, and will not be as pronounced. "Furthermore, from that day on, the heat will return to a very warm end to the week."
